Real Estate to Geek Out Over

Posted on July 15th, 2013. Original content from Zillow's Real Estate Blog.

Geek is no longer a negative, four-letter label. Comic-Con International in San Diego now tops more than 130,000 attendees; computer geeks snatch coveted jobs at the coolest of companies; and with TV channels and websites dedicated to all things geek, the nickname is now a token of cool.

Whether you’re a Harry Potter expert, can understand Chewbacca’s Wookie language or can debate the nuances of Superman comics, we have something new to geek out over: real estate. These homes have extensive collections, out-there additions and more.

For the ‘Star Wars’ Geek

You’ve reached ultimate “Star Wars” geek status when your collection has been lent out to the father of “Star Wars” — George Lucas. This Indiana home includes a top-to-bottom themed bar, complete with full-size figurines and a mural so lifelike it would confuse Obi-Wan.

For the Batman Geek

Holy pool, Batman! Usually the Bat signal is spotted in a dark sky over Gotham City, but in this Illinois home, the symbol is found underwater on the bottom of the pool. The story goes that the homeowners’ son loved Batman, and as a surprise for him, they painted the Bat symbol at the bottom of the pool.

For the Computer Geek

Steve Jobs was the big name behind Apple, but in the very beginning, it was a different Steve — Steve Wozniak — who designed the original Apple 1, the first computer the company began to sell in the 1970s. In addition to designing one of the most iconic personal computers, Wozniak designed a modern home in Los Gatos, CA. Looking for a place to start your own tech revolution? This may be the location.

For the Collector Geek

What do you collect? Baseball cards? Model trains? Fancy dolls? How about all three? This New Jersey home has the space — 7,850 square feet — for those collections and more. And if you’re a fish geek, the house has that covered too, with four built-in aquariums.

For the Book Geek

Sure, an e-reader makes reading more convenient, but the true literature junkie wants a big, book-filled library. Even better? A book-filled space complete with a pulley seat that makes it easy to access those volumes on the top shelves. The rest of the Austin-area home is just as geek-friendly, with a nook with built-in speakers — designed for listening to music — and a sleeping loft.

For the Space Geek

If you know the solar mass of a black hole, understand the Chandrasekhar limit and can pick out a Bok globule, perhaps this home is for you. The house includes an enormous high-powered telescope, and with the home’s coastal Southern California location, you’re bound to have plenty of clear nights perfect for star gazing.

For the Chess Geek

Get out of the library and practice chess moves on a larger scale at this Florida home. The full set fills the outdoor veranda, and the listing ensures buyers that the pieces do come with the home. During bad weather, a cozy evening with a regular board can be had in the home’s book-lined office, which also comes with a gas fireplace.

For the Arcade Geek

Let’s pay homage to the original video game nerds. Before Xbox or the Wii, gamers trekked to the arcade to beat the high score on Pac-Man, Space Invaders and Frogger. Save your quarters and check out this home, which includes several full-size arcade games just waiting for a new champion to add their name to the high-scorers list.

For the Harry Potter Geek

For the more medieval minded, a Harry Potter-themed bedroom might be in good form. Complete with painted bricks — and is that an owl out the window? — this room is a departure from the rest of the standard, single-family home in Pennsylvania.

For the Tech Geek

If it can be automated and computer-controlled, why not go for it? That seemed to be the philosophy behind this home. The “Old World” architecture is paired with “new technology,” which includes a complete home automation system controlled by iPhone or iPad, and 26 LED TVs installed throughout the home, including several in bathroom mirrors. A security system in the library is accessed by the owner’s thumbprint, and the outdoor pool includes an underwater music system as well as solar security.